how to get started?

[Pinkmama]

Hello!

Over the last couple of weeks I've become more and more convinced of the cause of animal rights...I was firmly in the animal welfare camp before this, but both reading on here and extensive arguing with myself brought me over.

So, help! How do activists get started?

Clarexxx

[Diana]

Do you know anyone who would be willing to do activism with you?

One can get active by oneself, but it is always more fun and much less discouraging to be two or more.

If you don't know anyone, have you any idea how you could contact people who may be interested in starting up a group?

[Pinkmama]

well, I know that there is a group in my area....but they meet once a month in the evening...which I just can't do!

Clare

[Diana]

I would suggest contacting them anyway, telling them that you can't go to the meetings, but that you would like to be informed of any events or demos or leafletting that they are planning to do so you could join them.

So ask to be put on their mailing list.

Ask them also if there's a possibility to meet one or two members to talk about their group and at least know someone personally.

If that doesn't work, perhaps you could put up a notice somewhere - like at an animal shelter or rescue place that you are looking for someone interested in animal rights in order to do some activism.

[Diana]

Forgot to add.. if that doesn't work, I would suggest asking for permission (if needed) from your city to set up a stall a few Saturdays (afternoons, mornings or all day - but with your baby, I doubt all day would be very suitable). You could have some leaflets there and you could specifically have some leaflets saying you are looking for people to start up a group.

[Brown_Windsor]

So, help! How do activists get started?

Clarexxx

Local Hardware for bolt cutters

Army Surplus for balaclavas

No, Im just kidding (or am I?)


Dianas pretty much covered these points i think, but heres my take...

You can start by writing to or calling any groups in your Local area and State to see what they are doing, things you could join in on and as Diana said get on their mailing lists and such so you know when demos are happening and the likes. They probably have material, ideas and events you can get in on, wether you can attend meetings or not.

Tell them you cant come to their meetings but you would like to be active and involved in any events they would be holding.

Other than that start petitions and follow them through, use forums like this to educate people, hand out leaflets to people and leave them places where they will be read., get in contact with whatever action groups are local and help them out at whatever events they attend, anything to educate others basically.